[alfa] 164 charging circuit

["Obie Fayth" <bibendum59@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

    Over the past several weeks I've noticed that it usually takes a slight 
tap on the accelerator in order to make the charging indicator light turn 
off after starting my 164. When this first started happening the voltage 
meter on the dash would indicate ~12v (after starting, but before revving), 
but lately it has dropped into the 8v range. Usually when this happens I 
also get a couple of reluctant chirps from the alarm siren while cranking. 
After the car starts and I tap the accelerator the voltage jumps up to its 
usual 14.x volt output.
    Does the 8v after starting point to a weak battery since its voltage 
seems to drop too far when a load is applied? Does having to rev the engine 
to activate the charging circuit indicate a failing component in the 
alternator?

I'm going to start by cleaning all of the contacts in the charging circuit, 
but if that doesn't help I just wanted to have some other ideas for things 
to check.

thanks in advance,
-Obie
Tacoma, Wa.
'91 164S and others

_________________________________________________________________
Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee. 
Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided